Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has written a letter to the the Prime Minister to protest a decision by the Commerce Ministry to impose a ban on cotton exports from the country.

The congress is not in a position to be seen as a party against the farmers, following its dismal performance in the recently concluded assembly elections in five states. Thus, the government announced a day after the imposition of ban that the decision will be reviewed by a group of ministers including Mr. Pawar and the finance minister besides the commerce minister.

The ban was imposed on the basis of recommendations of a committee of secretaries. The suggestion came after concerns of increasing prices and a possible shortfall for the Indian industry to met its production targets.

On the one hand, the ban favors the interest of the industry but on the other hand, it resulted in a fall in the prices of cotton and lesser income for growers in the country. The government is aiming to make sure that enough supply of cotton is available in the country for the industry at reasonable prices so it is able to produce high quality textile and generate additional employment.

The International Cotton Association (ICA) has also expressed concern over the unilateral ban on the export of cotton from India.